Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it brings together the comfort of French toast and the convenience of a make‑ahead casserole. With sweet apples and warming spices, it hits that satisfying “holiday brunch” flavor profile, yet is simple enough for a relaxed weekend morning. It also feeds a crowd easily, making it great for family or guest gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 loaf brioche bread
3 large eggs
1 ½ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 tablespoons salted butter
2 apples, diced
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Chop and dice the apples into small chunks.
In a large pan, melt three tablespoons of the salted butter over medium heat.
Add the apples and toss until they’re coated in the butter. Let them soften for about five minutes.
Add the ground cinnamon and ¼ cup of the brown sugar to the apples. Stir and let them simmer until caramel‑like. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg and ground cloves.
Slice the brioche and arrange the pieces in a baking pan. Pour the egg‑milk mixture over the bread, making sure pieces are well soaked.
Layer the softened apples over the soaked bread, filling in all open spaces.
In a small bowl, mix the remaining butter and brown sugar to form a crumble topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the casserole is set, there is no more bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven, let it rest a few minutes, then serve warm (optionally with whipped cream or maple syrup).

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 10 servings. Total time is 1 hour (20 minutes prep + 40 minutes cook).

Variations

Use challah or day‑old French bread instead of brioche for a different texture.
Swap in pears or peaches in place of apples for a seasonal twist.
Add chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
Stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the apple layer for added sweetness and texture.
For a dairy‑free version, substitute the whole milk with a plant‑based milk (such as oat or almond) and use a dairy‑free butter alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store, cover the casserole tightly and refrigerate for 2‑3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions: wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen; then warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for about 15‑20 minutes or until heated through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave for 1‑2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I prep this the night before?

Yes — you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover and refrigerate, then bake in the morning for a convenient brunch.

2. What type of apples should I use?

Choose apples that hold their shape when cooked (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Braeburn) so they don’t turn mushy during sautéing and baking.

3. Can I use less sugar?

Absolutely. You can reduce the brown sugar by a quarter or half if you prefer a less sweet outcome, and maple syrup or fresh fruit can add natural sweetness.

4. Can this be made gluten‑free?

Yes. Use a gluten‑free bread alternative and ensure your spices and other ingredients are certified gluten‑free.

5. How do I know when it’s done baking?

The casserole is done when the egg mixture is set (no jiggle in the center) and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out cleanly.

6. What if I don’t have a loaf of brioche?

You can use any sturdy bread: French bread, challah, even thick‑cut sandwich bread. Day‑old is ideal since it will absorb the custard well.

7. Can I add other spices?

Yes. Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom, ginger or allspice to tailor the spice profile to your liking.

8. Is this suitable for a crowd?

Definitely — it serves about 10, so it’s great for a brunch gathering. You can easily double or scale up for a larger group.

9. Can I add a savory element, like bacon or sausage?

Yes, though that shifts it away from the sweet brunch feel. You could crumble cooked bacon or sausage into the casserole before baking if you’d like a sweet‑savory balance.

10. How should I serve it?

Serve warm, directly from the baking dish, with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt, and optionally a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Fresh fruit on the side works well too.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Apple French Toast Bake brings comforting flavors, make‑ahead ease and hearty texture all in one dish. It’s perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch or hosting friends and family. With its cinnamon‑spiced apples and rich custard‑soaked bread, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy serving it up warm and savor those cozy flavors.